End of President’s Rule Paves the Way for New Government in Jammu and Kashmir

President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir has officially ended, clearing the path for the formation of a new government following recent assembly elections. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed this transition through a gazette notification issued late last night. This significant move comes after a meeting between National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during which Abdullah submitted letters of support for establishing a new administration.

The National Conference, in alliance with the Congress, has secured a majority in the newly elected assembly, winning 48 out of the 90 seats. With additional backing from independents and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the NC is set to form the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A in 2019. This marks the region’s transition from statehood to Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah, who is poised to assume his second term as Chief Minister, indicated that the swearing-in ceremony might take place on October 15 or 16, with preparations currently underway. His father, NC President Farooq Abdullah, emphasized that the administration’s primary focus would be on restoring statehood and fostering unity in the Union Territory.

The recent assembly elections, conducted in three phases, concluded with results announced on October 8. The NC-Congress alliance’s victory signals a return to democratic governance in the region, marking a pivotal moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.